as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
we need to do some preliminary research in order to properly focus the experiment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preliminary
Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025
Han’s preliminary hearing was initially set for June 23, but was subsequently rescheduled for June 30.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
While the diving kicked off Thursday, the swimming gets underway with preliminaries on Friday, with the finals for both swimming and diving slated for Saturday.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Adjective
The proposals come a year after University of North Carolina trustees approved an audit of the athletics department after a preliminary budget projected about $100 million of debt in the years ahead.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025
Han’s preliminary hearing was initially set for June 23, but was subsequently rescheduled for June 30.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
Late preliminaries available on ESPN+, ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN Deportes at 8 p.m. ET.
—Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
While the diving kicked off Thursday, the swimming gets underway with preliminaries on Friday, with the finals for both swimming and diving slated for Saturday.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
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In two rooms upstairs, there were hundreds of works: from art-school sketches and preparatory crayon drawings to large-scale, fully realized paintings that had taken Orlik months to complete.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
17 June 2025
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That makes the Gold Cup, a three-week tournament with group play and a single-elimination knockout stage, an important preparatory test for the three hosts even if the field is less than stellar.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2025
Noun
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Perhaps as a prelude to a settlement, Salem Media just issued another apology for allowing Colorado podcaster Joe Oltmann to voice false statements about Coomer on air.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
20 June 2025
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That latest dot plot carried preludes to stagflation—among the most catastrophic economic scenarios.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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On his introductory media call with the Ducks, Trouba said Drury forced him to choose between accepting a trade to a team on his no-trade list and going on waivers — the same way the GM got out of Goodrow’s contract nearly six months earlier.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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That includes the introductory casino, three levels of covered parking, a back-of-house level and a top level with the main casino floor and restaurants.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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